250 Years Later: Is Our Democracy Still of the People?

By State Rep. Karen Brownlee 

2026 is a big year. In 2026, the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

It’s an occasion to reflect on the journey our country has taken, the challenges we have faced, and the resilience of our representative democracy. 

This ideal of representative democracy is a system where elected officials are accountable to and reflect the interests of their voters. This 250th anniversary gives us an opportunity to consider how our country and our state have served as models of democratic governance and whether or not we continue to live up to those values. 

2026 is also the year of the midterm elections. 

For about half of us, midterm elections don’t even make our radar, with only 49% of Ohioans voting in midterms over the past 10 years. But the foundation laid out in the Declaration of Independence was that ordinary citizens could participate in the decisions that governed their lives. The Ohio Constitution even states that “All political power is inherent in the people.” 

This revolutionary idea - a government of the people, by the people, and for the people - became wildly influential and has been a beacon of freedom and liberty around the world. 

Yet 2026 is also a year that weighs heavily with serious concerns over the health of our democracy. 

In Ohio and throughout the country, special interests, greed, and corruption are chipping away at democratic values such as compromise, equality, and rule of law. 

Unpopular policies, unfair districts, and dark money have taken precedence over common sense and the real needs of Ohio families. 

With gerrymandered districts for our state and federal elected officials, we lack representation. Instead of investing in affordable housing, healthcare, and groceries, our majority party in Ohio cut taxes on the wealthy and gave over a billion dollars to a new football stadium in Cleveland. 

The federal level looks similar - the majority party also cut taxes for the wealthy, while supporting tariffs and now a costly military operation in Venezuela, a country that does not pose a security threat to the U.S. These choices will continue to drive up costs for Americans. 

But we still have a choice, and my choice is to fight for a healthy democracy. 

I want 2026 to be a year where Ohioans have a real say in their governance. 

I want 2026 to be a year where it matters that elected officials listen, compromise, and exhibit strong ethics. 

I want 2026 to be a year where elected officials perform their duties to invest in new home construction, increased access to healthcare, and reduced inflation. 

I am proud to be a state representative, but I am not proud of the current lack of action in our state or federal legislatures. 

I hold out hope though, as I am confident that when we truly listen to and represent voters - when we uphold and strive toward those values described in the Declaration of Independence - we can create better lives and brighter futures for everyone in Ohio and across our great country. 

State Representative Karen Brownlee, LISW-S, is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives representing House District 28, which includes Blue Ash, Deer Park, Evendale, Forest Park, Loveland, Montgomery, Pleasant Run Farms (Springfield Township), Sharonville, Springdale, Sycamore Township, and Symmes Township. (ohiohouse.gov)